step in

1
2
as in to substitute
to serve as a replacement usually for a time only couldn't find anyone to step in for me so that I could take a break from my caregiving duties

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of step in This expansion to a higher Earth orbit is, however, just another step in a broader plan. Andrew Jones, Space.com, 27 Oct. 2025 To bolster emergency response efforts, Starlink—SpaceX’s satellite internet division—has stepped in to support the Jamaican government. Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Oct. 2025 Starting quarterback Andy Dalton, who stepped in for an injured Bryce Young, had a rough day. Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 27 Oct. 2025 That’s where government is supposed to step in and do its job. Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 27 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for step in
Recent Examples of Synonyms for step in
Verb
  • The administration has withheld routine forms of assistance from Taiwan—including by downgrading a defense dialogue with the island, denying Taiwanese President William Lai the ability to briefly visit the United States while traveling elsewhere, and blocking a major arms sales package.
    Mira Rapp-Hooper, Foreign Affairs, 29 Oct. 2025
  • Gardeners visit homes weekly, sometimes even daily, tending not just to soil and irrigation but also to the evolving priorities of clients.
    Nia Bowers, USA Today, 28 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • When tomatoes are not in season, substitute them with a good tomato sauce.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 27 Oct. 2025
  • Rossi’s rustiness was evident in the group stage, to the extent that he was substituted at half-time in the 1-1 draw with Peru.
    Michael Cox, New York Times, 26 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Since then, her standing in the polls has slipped, though partisan loyalties remain deeply entrenched.
    Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Oct. 2025
  • While vintage fashion often stands in contrast to fleeting trends, Dand says there’s still an ongoing evolution in how it’s curated.
    Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 24 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The hospital remains open and fully staffed with contract nurses hired to fill in for the nurses on strike, offering all nurses the opportunity to work during the demonstration.
    Lauren Giella, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025
  • An episode featuring Brody’s real-life wife Leighton Meester tries to fill in some backstory blanks, as does an episode that spells out how Joanne’s parents’ divorce impacted her.
    Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 23 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The tour, which marks her first major headlining run in three years, kicks off on April 8 at Charlotte, NC’s Spectrum Center.
    Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 27 Oct. 2025
  • Despite the pain and blisters, Hargrove says has never had any regret about running in heels — Sneex or otherwise.
    Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 27 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • After getting to the ring to call for an opponent, fans received a surprise.
    Matthew Couden, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Oct. 2025
  • While reflecting on her first performance, Furtado remembered buying the pink dress from a store called Original on Queen West in Toronto, and also picking up some sparkly platform shoes for the monumental moment.
    Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 25 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Step in.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/step%20in. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.

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